With ever-changing baggage fees, security checks and identification requirements, air travel can be confusing. Part of this confusion is what you are and aren't allowed to place in your luggage. For safety reasons, the quantity of liquid you can take onto a plane has been strictly limited. Understanding how much and what kind of liquid you can put in your checked luggage and carry-on bags is important before packing for your next flight.

The 3-1-1 Rule

The Transportation Security Administration devised the 3-1-1 Rule for liquids in carry-on luggage. The rule states that you can bring as many 3.4-ounce bottles as will fit into a 1-quart bag, and there is a limit of one bag per ticketed passenger. The bag must be made of clear plastic with a zip-close top. To make getting through security easier, remove the bag from your carry-on luggage and place the bag flat in one of the bins provided.

Items Defined as Liquid

The items placed in your 3-1-1 bag typically include toiletries. This includes liquid shampoo, lotion, hair gels, nonaerosol hair spray, gel deodorants, toothpaste, liquid makeup and lip gloss. Solid, white deodorants, powder or cake makeup and solid lipsticks do not have to go in your 3-1-1 bag. You are not allowed to bring aerosols, bleach, paint thinner, gasoline, lighter fluid or any flammable liquid on a plane.

Special Items

Certain liquids such as medications, baby formula and breast milk are exempt from the 3-1-1 Rule, but you must declare them when going through security. Medications should be left in their original containers with your name on them to make getting through security quicker. These items are subject to manual inspection by TSA officials and you should allow extra time to get through the security line. If you have liquid food items such as jelly or sauces, it's best to place them in your checked luggage.

Checked Luggage

Bottles of liquid larger than 3.4 ounces must be put in checked luggage. The exception to this is items you have declared or have purchased once you have passed through security such as bottles of water or liquids from duty-free shops such as perfume or liquor. As with carry-on bags, you cannot put dangerous or flammable liquids in your checked luggage.

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About the Author

Based in Portland, Ore., Tammie Painter has been writing garden, fitness, science and travel articles since 2008. Her articles have appeared in magazines such as "Herb Companion" and "Northwest Travel" and she is the author of six books. Painter earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from Portland State University.